Stefan Jovic reportedly leaving Zaragoza for Valencia / News - Basketnews.com

Stefan Jovic is set to replace injury-riddled Martin Hermannsson on Valencia Basket's roster.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Valencia Basket are finalizing the signing of Serbian point guard Stefan Jovic until the end of the season, the Spanish News Agency (EFE) reported.

The player, who has just won the silver medal with Serbia in the World Cup and will turn 33 in November, renewed his contract with Casademont Zaragoza at the beginning of the summer but an exit clause worth 300,000 euros was included in his deal that will allow him to change teams.

The news comes just one day after Martin Hermannsson underwent surgery on his left knee, the same on which he was operated in the spring of 2022 when he suffered a torn cruciate ligament. The Icelandic point guard will miss at least three months of action. However, the uncertainty surrounding his return has led Valencia to make a move that goes beyond a temporary 'patch', as Jovic is expected to stay with the team through the season.

Jovic joined Casademont Zaragoza last December from Panathinaikos. He previously played for FC Bayern Munich, Khimki and Crvena Zvezda. In the recent World Cup, he averaged 21.6 minutes per game, while dishing out 5.6 assists per contest.

Per several reports, Valencia were also interested in Nick Calathes, who's still under contract with Fenerbahce, although the Turkish club doesn't seem willing to keep him. However, the Greek-American guard was a higher-cost alternative at the point guard position and was hence ruled out in favor of Jovic. This strategic decision will allow the team to maintain greater financial flexibility to acquire a shooting guard.

Kyle Guy was initially intended to be the team's second outside threat, but ultimately opted to join Panathinaikos.

Valencia Basket

Position Player Status PG Chris Jones Signed until 2026 PG Jared Harper(story) Signed until 2024 PG Martin Hermansson Signed until 2024 SG Kassius Robertson(story) Signed until 2025 SG Josep Puerto Signed until 2025 SF Victor Claver Signed until 2024 SF Xabi Lopez-Arostegui Signed until 2025 SF Milan Jimenez Long-term contract SF/PF Jaime Pradilla Signed until 2024 PF Semi Ojeleye (story) Signed until 2025 PF Nate Reuvers (story) Signed until 2026 PF Damien Inglis(story) Signed until 2025 C Brandon Davies(story) Signed until 2025 C Boubacar Toure(story) Signed until 2025 Coach Alex Mumbru (signed until 2025) Expired contract Klemen Prepelic (will not return), Jasiel Rivero (will not return), Kyle Alexander (will not return), Sam Van Rossom (will not return), James Webb III (will not return) Rumored to leave Bojan Dubljevic (will not return), Nenad Dimitrijevic (will not return), Shannon Evans (will not return), John Radebaugh (will not return) Interested Stefan Jovic (story)

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